Thank you for your service, which deserves an update on LAPRF activities. As reported in the last newsletter, our 2017 banquet was our most successful ever! We received a lot of media attention that helped create awareness about the Corps. Breaking prior fundraising records is the proverbial icing on the cake. Two new LAPRF initiatives — reserve recruitment and the Emeritus Scholarship — were announced at the banquet.
Reserve recruitment: It is essential that the City of Los Angeles attracts potential reserve police officer candidates. Many of our veteran reserve officers have indicated that they are planning on retiring within the next five years. The LAPRF Recruitment Initiative provides marketing funds to tell the story of the Corps and inspire candidates to begin the process of joining the team. We continue to work with Lieutenant Curtis McIntyre and the ROVU staff on this front. You may have seen the reserve recruitment billboards and bus benches featuring Dr. Shaquille O’Neal and several of your fellow reserve officers.
Emeritus Scholarship: Established last year, the scholarship provides financial assistance for reserve officers, and their children and grandchildren, to attend college. We are announcing the 2018 scholarship, thanks in part to LAPRF Director Tom Flesh. For scholarship application information, see page 15.
These two initiatives contribute to our ongoing mission of supporting the Reserve Corps in new ways, in additional to equipment, training and education.
This year, LAPD reserve officers have stepped up to the plate numerous times: in the Vision Zero Task Force, the destructive La Tuna Canyon fire, Hurricane Harvey mutual aid (see page 8), all of the unsung work on the streets of Los Angeles every day and, once again, going above and beyond with the Sunshine Kids. On page 12, LAPPL Director Jamie McBride writes of the unsung heroes of the Los Angeles Police Reserve Corps.
Save the date! Our 2018 Twice a Citizen/Reserve Officer of the Year banquet will be held on May 12, 2018, at the renowned Skirball Cultural Center. Michael Connelly, who created one of our favorite fictional LAPD detectives, Harry Bosch, is confirmed as a Twice a Citizen honoree! The book series is a fan-favorite police procedural by Amazon Studios and Fabrik Entertainment.
Please make LAPRF one of your charitable priorities. Click here to help.
Be safe, and happy holidays to you and your families.